‘Tis the season for …. Loneliness? Many would agree that the holidays are a difficult time for singles. Regardless of the company you keep, you still feel the sting of loneliness during the holiday season, even if just a little. Single is not a bad word and you can be happily single, even this time of year. It’s all about perspective, being grateful for what you DO have and deciding to make this the best holiday season ever! How? Here are 7 ways to be happily single this holiday season.

7 Ways to Be Happily Single This Holiday Season

1. Focus on the Family (and friends)

You might not have a significant other this holiday season, but, you certainly aren’t alone. There is at least one person out there that you can spend quality time with. It could be family (parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, grandparents, niece/nephew, cousins) or it could be friends (we all know some friends are more like family anyway!).

2. Give Generously

‘Tis the season for giving! There is no shortage of organizations and people looking for handouts. Pick a charity that resonates with your own values and give generously. You can even volunteer your time with a cause you feel strongly about. It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re helping other people and spending time with people who are less fortunate than you.

3. Spend Time With Other Singles

Lucky for you there are many events going on in your city on any given day during the holidays. Pick a couple and attend alone or with friends. If you do have several single friends and/or acquaintances, set up a couple activities, movie nights or even girls / boys nights out. You never know, spending time with other singles might just lead you on the path to your happily ever after!

4. Spoil Yourself

Who says you only should be giving to others? No one! Make sure to add yourself to the “nice” list and treat yourself to a gift or maybe an experience like a spa treatment or even an activity. It’s about making yourself happy and living your best life. Ask yourself, what would make you happy and that is within your budget and do it!!

5. Be Grateful

I make a habit of starting each day off listing everything I’m most grateful for. What does that do? Well, it helps me really appreciate all the great things in my life. Perhaps I’m not exactly where I thought I’d be and maybe I don’t have all the things I want, but I have so much else to be grateful for. Remember, the things you probably take for granted others would give anything to have. It’s about perspective.

6. Enjoy Your Freedom

So you don’t have a “plus one” for your holiday party, but, let’s be honest, you don’t have to worry about dragging another person around with you to all your events and family functions. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about attending their events and crazy family gatherings. Not to mention not having to coordinate everything to make everyone happy. You’re FREE … go do what you want, when you want and with whoever you want.

7. Do Something You’ve Always Wanted To Do

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to travel somewhere or hide out in a secluded cabin somewhere. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to take that spa day, maybe learning something new, reading a book, renovating your house … whatever it is DO IT! Your time is your own, so fill it with stuff that makes you most happy.

You can be happily single this holiday season, it’s all about perspective. Use this time to build yourself up to being your best self so that when you do meet that special someone you’re a quality partner that is just as happy alone as with them. That is what healthy relationships are made of, two “whole” people walking forward in the same direction … together.

Have a dating dilemma? You can always Ask Single Dating Diva a confidential dating question on http://singledatingdiva.com.

Your Sister in Dating Bliss,

Single Dating Diva

Originally appeared on eHarmony Canada.